Leadframe-based module DC bus design to reduce module inductance

ABSTRACT

A DC bus for use in a power module has a positive DC conductor bus plate parallel with a negative DC conductor bus plate. One or more positive leads are connected to the positive bus and are connectable to a positive terminal of a power source. One or more negative leads are connected to the negative bus and are connectable to a negative terminal of a power source. The DC bus has one or more positive connections fastenable from the positive bus to the high side of a power module. The DC bus also has one or more negative connections fastenable from the negative bus to the low side of the power module. The positive bus and negative bus permit counter-flow of currents, thereby canceling magnetic fields and their associated inductances, and the positive and negative bus are connectable to the center portion of a power module.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application is related to and claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/233,995, filed Sep. 20, 2000, and entitled, “Leadframe-Based Module DC Bus Design to Reduce Module Inductance,” U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/233,996, filed Sep. 20, 2000, and entitled, “Substrate-Level DC Bus Design to Reduce Module Inductance,” U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/233,993, filed Sep. 20, 2000, and entitled, “EMI Reduction in Power Modules Through the Use of Integrated Capacitors on the Substrate Level,” U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/233,992, filed Sep. 20, 2000, and entitled, “Press (Non-Soldered) Contacts for High Electrical Connect Ions in Power Modules,” and U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/233,994, filed Sep. 20, 2000, and entitled, “Both-Side Solderable Power Devices to Reduce Electrical Interconnects.” Each of the above applications is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] 1. Field of the Invention

[0003] The invention relates to the field of electronics. More specifically, the invention relates to direct current buses (“DC buses”) used in power modules.

[0004] 2. Background of the Invention

[0005] An inverter power module is commonly used to convert direct current (“DC”) to alternating current (“AC”) to power a three-phase motor. The power module typically has three pairs of switches on a substrate that is secured to the module baseplate. Each switching pair has a positive or “high” side switch and a negative or “low” side switch for controlling the flow of electric current. Each switching pair is referred to herein as a “bridge,” and each half of the switching pair is referred to as a “half-bridge.” The “high side” of the bridge contains the positive switches, and the “low side” contains the negative switches. By the term “switch” is meant a switching device such as an insulated gate bipolar transistor (“IGBT”) or Metal Oxide Semiconductor (“MOS”) or Metal Oxide Semiconductor Field Effect Transistor (“MOSFET”).

[0006] Elements may be described herein as “positive” or “negative.” An element described as “positive” is shaped and positioned to be at a higher relative voltage than elements described as “negative” when the power module is connected to a power source. “Positive” elements are positioned to have an electrical connection that is connectable to the positive terminal of a power source, while “negative” elements are positioned to have an electrical connection that is connectable to a negative terminal, or ground, of the power source. Generally, “positive” elements are located or connected to the high side of the power module and “negative” elements are located or connected to the low side of the power module.

[0007] In a typical power module configuration, the high side switches are on one side of the module opposite the corresponding low side switches. A positive DC lead from a power source such as a battery is connected to a conducting layer in the high side of the substrate. Likewise, a negative DC lead from the power source is connected to a conducting layer in the low side of the substrate. The switches control the flow of current from the conducting layers of each half bridge substrate to output leads. Output leads, called “phase terminals” transfer alternating current from the three pairs of switches to the motor.

[0008] Power modules typically have three bridges combined into a single three-phase switching module, or single half-bridge modules that may be linked together to form a three-phase switch. As would be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art, the same DC to AC conversion may be accomplished using any number of switching pairs, and each switching pair may contain any number of switches. For simplicity and clarity, all examples herein use a common three phase/three switching pair configuration. However, the invention disclosed herein may be applied to a power module having any number of switches.

[0009] Current flows from the positive DC lead to the conducting layer on the high side substrate. Current is then permitted to flow through the switching device on the high side to the conducting layer on the low side. A phase terminal lead allows current to flow from the conducting layer on the low side to the motor. The current then flows from the motor to the conducting layer on the low side of a second switching pair to the negative DC lead to the power source.

[0010] Current flowing through various paths within the module creates inductances, which in turn results in inductive power losses, reduced efficiency, and the excess generation of heat. When the flow of current changes, as in such a high frequency switching environment, large voltage overshoots often result, further decreasing switching efficiency. In addition, the DC terminals are commonly attached to one end of the power module, which forces current to travel further to some switches, and thus, for some switching configurations, than for others, resulting in non-uniform current loops. Current loops that are not uniform result in uneven or inefficient motor performance.

[0011] These and other problems are avoided and numerous advantages are provided by the device described herein.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0012] The present invention provides a DC bus for use in a power module that is shaped and positioned to minimize the current loops, thus reducing inductive poser losses. The DC bus is also shaped to permit counter-flow of electric currents, thereby canceling magnetic fields and their associated inductances. The DC bus also allows DC current to flow symmetrically and directly to the switches of the module. Symmetric current loops in the module result in more even and efficient motor performance.

[0013] Elements may be described herein as “adjacent” another element. By the term “adjacent” is meant that in a relationship so characterized, the components are located proximate to one another, but not necessarily in contact with each other. Normally there will be an absence of other components positioned in between adjacent components, but this is not a requirement. By the term “substantially” is meant that the orientation is as described, with allowances for variations that do not effect the cooperation and relationship of the so described component or components.

[0014] In accordance with the present invention, the DC bus for use in a power module has a positive DC conductor bus plate and a negative DC conductor bus plate placed parallel to the positive bus. The positive bus is connected to one or more positive leads, which are connectable to a positive terminal of a power source. The negative bus is connected to one or more negative leads, which are connectable to a negative terminal of a power source. One or more positive connections on the bus are fastenable from the positive bus to the high side of the power modules, and one or more negative connections are fastenable from the negative bus to the low side of the module. The positive bus and the negative bus permit the counter-flow of currents, thereby canceling magnetic fields and their associated inductances, and the positive and negative bus are connectable the power module between the high and low side of the module. Preferably, the DC bus has separate negative leads and separate positive leads for each half-bridge on the module. The DC bus may also include an insulating layer between the positive and negative bus. Preferably, each positive lead is substantially adjacent to a negative lead. The bus may be connected either substantially perpendicular to or substantially parallel to the substrate of the power module.

[0015] In another aspect of the invention, a power module for reducing inductance is disclosed. The module has a lead frame for supporting the module and for providing interconnections to the motor and the power source. A substrate is connected to the lead frame. There are one or more pairs of high and low switches at the substrate level of the module. The DC bus described above is placed in the center portion of the power module.

[0016] In yet another aspect, the invention is directed to a method of reducing inductance in a power module. The method involves allowing DC current to flow symmetrically and directly to the switches of the module and permitting counter-flow of electric currents, thereby canceling magnetic fields and their associated inductances. The positive and negative leads are positioned in close proximity to one another thereby canceling the magnetic fields and associated inductances.

[0017] The DC bus and power module disclosed herein provide improved efficiency and more even motor performance through the cancellation of magnetic fields and minimization of current loops. A parallel negative and positive DC bus provides the added benefit of creating capacitance between the plates, which further minimize voltage overshoots produced by the switching process. These and other advantages will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art with reference to the detailed description and drawings.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018]FIG. 1 is an overhead view of the top of the power module.

[0019]FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the power module.

[0020]FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the power module without its top portion and with the substrate exposed.

[0021]FIG. 4 is the side view of the power module.

[0022]FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional front view of the power module with cooling intake and outlet.

[0023]FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional front view of the power module without cooling intake and out take.

[0024]FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional side view of the power module with DC bus leads.

[0025]FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional side view of the power module with DC bus leads and phase terminals.

[0026]FIG. 9 is a top overhead view of the devices on the substrate in the module.

[0027]FIG. 10 is a top overhead view of the printed circuit board in the module.

[0028]FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the power module and DC bus with the printed circuit board removed.

[0029]FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the DC bus.

[0030]FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the DC bus.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0031] In accordance with the invention, a DC bus is used in a power module, and the DC bus is shaped and positioned to minimize current loops, voltage overshoots and their associated inductance losses, to provide for symmetric current flow. Reference is made herein to a power module with three phase terminals for use with a three-phase motor and having three bridges, each with two switching pairs. As will be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art, the disclosed power module, DC bus, and method for reducing inductance in a power module could be used on a power module with any number of phase terminals and bridges, and having any number of switching pairs. Nonetheless, for ease of description, reference is made to a three-phase power module.

[0032] Referring to FIG. 1, an overhead view of the top of the power module is shown. The module has three positive leads 21 that are connectable to a power source, such as a battery, and three negative leads 23 that are likewise connectable to the negative terminal of a power source such as a battery, or ground. The module has three sets of phase terminals 15, 17, and 19. The top of the power module is held in place by fasteners (not shown) through bushings 13. The fasteners are bolts, but other types of fasteners can be substituted therefore, as will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. A non-conducting strip 25 holds leads 21 and 23 in place by providing a raised portion into which the leads 21 and 23 may be bolted.

[0033] As will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art, the positive leads 21 and negative leads 23 carry direct current from a battery source to the module. As will be better understood by the following discussion, the power module converts the direct current to alternating current. In a three-phase module such as that shown in FIG. 1, there are at lease three phase terminals 15, 17 and 19 through which the resulting alternating current flows. In the preferred embodiment, there are three sets of two phase terminals 15, 17, and 19.

[0034]FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the power module 29. The module has a module frame 11 and top cover 10, which are preferably composed of plastic. The bottom portion is the cooling header 27 of the module, into which a cooling liquid enters, circulates through, and exits, for cooling the module. Sandwiched between the module frame 11 and the cooling header 27 middle portion is the base plate, which contains the printed circuit board, substrate, and switching devices, and is not shown in this view. FIG. 2 shows the positive leads 21 and negative leads 23, and phase terminals 15, 17, and 19. The module frame 11 is bolted to the cooling header 27 with bushings 13.

[0035]FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the power module, shown without its top cover portion 10 and with the substrate 107 removed. The DC bus 31 has a separate positive bus plate and a negative bus plate, as is better illustrated in FIGS. 5-6, and 9-13. The DC bus 31 is arranged perpendicular to the substrate 107. As would be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art, the substrate has conducting layers separated by an insulating layer for carrying and controlling a current flow. The substrate 107 has a high side 101 and a low side 103. The substrate 107 includes switches 33, which can be IGBTs, MOS, or MOSFETs, and diodes 35 for controlling current flow. The switches 33 are preferably IGBTs. The switches 33 and diodes 35 are electrically connected, preferably by wire bonding.

[0036] As will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art, direct current flows from a power source such as a battery to the positive DC leads 21 and to the DC conductor bus plates 31. Current flows to a conducting layer in the high side 101 of the power module. The current flows through the switches 33 and diodes 35 on the high side 101 through a conducting plate 37. The conducting plate 37 is connected to a conducting layer in the low side 103 of the power module by a connection located through a cut-out passage 39 underneath the bus bar. Current then flows from the conducting layer on the low side 103 through one of the sets of phase terminals 15, 17, or 19 to a three-phase motor (not shown). Current from the motor flows back to another set of phase terminals 15, 17, or 19, where it flows from the conducting layer on the low side 103 to the negative lead 23 of the bus bar 31 and back to the power source.

[0037]FIG. 3 also shows pairs of phase terminals 15, 17, and 19. Three single phase terminals may be substituted for phase terminal pairs 15, 17, and 19. Alternatively, each phase terminal grouping, shown as pairs 15, 17, and 19, may include more than two phase terminals. Pairs of phase terminals 15, 17, and 19 are used for ease of connecting to switches 33 on the high side 103 of the power module.

[0038] Three positive DC leads 21 and three negative DC leads 23 are also shown. Each lead 21 and 23 is placed central to a switching pair half-bridge corresponding to each of the phase terminals 15, 17, or 19. Although other lead configurations are possible, this placement of DC leads 21 and 23 provides for more uniform current flow as opposed to previous modules having only a single DC lead.

[0039]FIG. 4 is a side view of the power module, with DC leads 21 and 23, phase terminal 15, and module frame 11. The bottom cooling header 27 includes an intake for coolant 91 and an outlet for coolant 93.

[0040] Referring now to FIG. 5, a cross-sectional front view of the power module with cooling intake 91 and outlet 93 is shown. The cooling header 27 includes a cavity 95 through which a coolant, such as water, may flow. The cavity 95 includes thermal conducting projections 111. The cooling header 27 is fastened to the base plate 61, which supports the high side switching assembly 55 and low side switching assembly 53. The phase terminal 15 is also shown. FIG. 5 illustrates the cross section of the DC bus at the point having DC leads 21 and 23. The DC bus has a positive conductor plate 59 arranged parallel to a negative conductor plate 57. An electrically insulating layer 51, preferably made from plastic or tape, is placed between the positive bus plate 59 and the negative bus plate 57. Alternatively, enough space may be left between the plates 57 and 59 to provide an insulating layer of air or silicone gel. The electrically insulating layer 51 permits more uniform spacing and closer spacing between the positive and negative buses 57 and 59.

[0041] Thus, counter flow of current is permitted, thereby canceling the magnetic fields and their associated inductances. In addition, the parallel bus plates 57 and 59 create capacitance. As will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art, a capacitor dampens voltage overshoots that are caused by the switching process. Thus, the DC bus plates 57 and 59 create a field cancellation as a result of the counter flow of current, and capacitance damping as a result of also establishing a functional capacitance between them. FIG. 5 shows the DC bus plates 57 and 59 placed perpendicular to the high and low side substrates 53 and 55, however, the DC bus plates 57 and 59 may also be placed parallel to the substrates 53 and 55 and still achieve counter flow of current and reduced inductances.

[0042] The cooling system is further illustrated in FIG. 5. Heat produced by the power module is conducted through the base plate 61 and the conducting projections 111 to the coolant cavities 95. Coolant flows into the coolant intake 91, through the cavities 95, and out coolant intake 93, thereby dissipating heat energy from the power module.

[0043] Referring now to FIG. 6, a cross-sectional front view of the power module without cooling intake and out take is shown.

[0044] Turning now to FIG. 7, a cross-sectional side view of the power module with DC bus leads is shown. The coolant cavity 95 runs the length of the module to intake 91. The high side substrate switches 55 are shown inside the module 29 with positive DC leads 21.

[0045]FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional side view of the power module with negative DC bus leads 23 and phase terminals 15, 17, and 19.

[0046]FIG. 9 is a top overhead view of the switching devices 33 and diodes 35 on the substrate of the module. The positive DC bus plate 59 and the negative DC bus plate 57 are also shown.

[0047] Referring now to FIG. 10, a top overhead view of the printed circuit board in the module is shown. The positive DC bus plate 59 is allowed to extend into a high side slot in the middle of the module, and the negative DC bus plate 57 is allowed to extend into a low side slot in the middle of the module. The DC bus plate has openings for a passage 39 from the high side 101 to the low side 103. Substrate switches 33 and diodes 35 are shown on a printed circuit board. As stated in the discussion accompanying FIG. 3, the current must be able to flow from the conducting layer on the high side 101 of the substrate to the conducting layer on the low side 103 of the substrate. The current flows from the conducting layer of the substrate on the high side 101, through the switches 33 and diodes 35 to the conducting plate 37. The conducting plate 37 is connected through the passage 39 to a plate 73 on the low side 103 of the module.

[0048] Referring now to FIG. 11 a perspective view of the power module and DC bus with the printed circuit board, substrate, and switches removed is shown. The DC bus 31 has positive leads 21 connected to the positive bus plate 57 and negative leads 23 connected to a negative bus plate 59.

[0049]FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the DC bus. The DC bus 31 has positive DC leads 21 connected to a positive plate 59. The positive plate is in parallel with a negative plate 57, which is connected to negative DC leads 23. The plates are optionally separated by a non-conducting layer 51. The DC bus 31 has shorter tabs 81 and longer tabs 83 for forming a connection with the connecting layer of the substrate. Preferably, the tabs 81 and 83 are wire bonded to the conducting layer of the substrate. The DC bus 31 also has openings 85 through which connections may be made from the high side of the substrate to the low side of the substrate.

[0050]FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the DC bus 31. A non-conducting layer 51 separates the negative bus plate 57 from the positive bus plate 59. Positive DC lead 21 and negative DC lead 23 are also shown.

[0051] The figures disclosed herein are merely exemplary of the invention, and the invention may be embodied in various and alternative forms. The figures are not necessarily to scale. Some features may be exaggerated or minimized to show details of particular components. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present invention.

[0052] Having thus described the invention, the same will become better understood from the appended claims in which it is set forth in a non-limiting manner. 

1. A DC Bus for use in a power module, comprising: a positive DC conductor bus plate; a negative DC conductor bus plate placed parallel to said positive bus; one or more positive leads connected to said positive bus, wherein said positive leads are connectable to a positive terminal of a power source; one or more negative leads connected to said negative bus, wherein said negative leads are connectable to a ground terminal; one or more positive connections fastenable from said positive bus to the high side of a power module; one or more negative connections fastenable from said negative bus to the low side of a power module; wherein said positive bus and said negative bus permit counter-flow of currents thereby canceling magnetic fields and their associated inductances; and wherein said positive bus and said negative bus are located between the high side and the low side of the power module..
 2. The DC Bus of claim 1, having separate negative leads and separate positive leads for each half-bridge.
 3. The DC Bus of claim 1, wherein each positive lead corresponds to and is located proximate to each high half-bridge in the power module, and each negative lead corresponds to and is located proximate to each low half-bridge in the power module.
 4. The DC Bus of claim 3, wherein each positive lead is substantially central to the side of the corresponding high half bridge and each negative lead is substantially central to the side of the corresponding low half bridge.
 5. The DC Bus of claim 1, further comprising: an insulating layer in between said positive bus and said negative bus.
 6. The DC Bus of claim 1 wherein each positive lead is substantially adjacent a negative lead.
 7. The DC Bus of claim 1, wherein the positive bus and the negative bus are shaped to be connected substantially perpendicular to the substrate of the power module.
 8. The DC Bus of claim 1, wherein the positive bus and the negative bus are shaped to be connected substantially parallel to the substrate of the power module.
 9. A power module for reducing inductance, comprising: a lead frame for supporting the module and for providing interconnections to the motor and power source; a substrate connected to said lead frame; one or more pairs of high and low switches at the substrate level of the module; a positive DC bus plate connected to the center portion of the power module; a negative DC conductor bus plate placed parallel to said positive bus; one or more positive leads connected to said positive bus, wherein said positive leads are connectable to a positive terminal of a power source; one or more negative leads connected to said negative bus, wherein said negative leads are connectable to ground; one or more positive connections fastenable from said positive bus to the high side of a power module; one or more negative connections fastenable from said negative bus to the low side of a power module; wherein said positive bus and said negative bus permit counter-flow of currents thereby canceling magnetic fields and their associated inductances; and wherein said positive bus and said negative bus are located between the high side and the low side of the power module.
 10. The power module of claim 9, having separate negative leads and separate positive leads for each half-bridge.
 11. The power module of claim 9, wherein each positive lead corresponds to and is located proximate to each high half-bridge in the power module, and each negative lead corresponds to and is located proximate to each low half-bridge in the power module.
 12. The power module of claim 11, wherein each positive lead is substantially central to the side of the corresponding high half bridge and each negative lead is substantially central to the side of the corresponding low half bridge.
 13. The power module of claim 9, further comprising: an insulating layer in between said positive bus and said negative bus.
 14. The power module of claim 1 wherein each positive lead is substantially adjacent a negative lead.
 15. The power module of claim 9, wherein the positive bus and the negative bus are shaped to be connected substantially perpendicular to the substrate of the power module.
 16. The power module of claim 9, wherein the positive bus and the negative bus are shaped to be connected substantially parallel to the substrate of the power module.
 17. A method of reducing inductance in a power module comprising: allowing DC current to flow symmetrically and directly to the switches of the module; permiting counter-flow of electric currents, thereby canceling magnetic fields and their associated inductances; and simultaneously positioning the positive and negative leads in close proximity to one another thereby canceling the magnetic fields and their associated inductance
 18. The method of claim 17, further comprising: mounting a DC positive bus plate and a DC negative bus plate parallel to one another between the high and the low side of the power module.
 19. The method of claim 17, further comprising: placing an insulating layer in between the positive bus and the negative bus.
 20. The method of claim 17, further comprising: providing separate power leads to each half-bridge of the power module. 